5-time title contender Martin Murray bids adieu to boxing at 38

British boxer and former WBA interim and British middleweight champion Martin Murray, who has challenged for world titles in both middleweight and super middleweight divisions, announces retirement from the sport.

Martin Murray (39–6–1, 17 KOs) made his professional debut in 2007 and has taken on boxing giants such as Gennady Golovkin, Arthur Abraham, George Groves and Billy Joe Saunders, who was his last opponent and also Murray’s sixth and final defeat.

“When I turned professional I wanted to hang them up without any regrets and taking all opportunities that were put my way, and I did just that,” Martin Murray said after announcing his retirement.

The Briton held the WBA interim belt for three years after winning it against Venezuelan boxer Jorge Navarro on 24th Nov 2012.

In 2015 February, Murray faced GGG for WBA (Super), IBO, and WBC interim middleweight titles and was knocked out in the 11th round. The same year, he also challenged Arthur Abraham in November for the WBO super-middleweight belt.

Turning his focus on family, Martin Murray wants to go down as an example of hard work

The 38-year-old was last seen in action against the WBO super-middleweight champion and his compatriot Billy Joe Saunders 4th December at The SSE Arena in London, the bout which Saunders won via unanimous decision.

“I went around the world and fought the best – and pushed them all the way too, so I’m happy and proud of what I achieved,” Murray went on, “I also wanted to be able to say that all the hard work and sacrifices have been worth it and they have.”

Having stepped out of the squared circle for good, the pugilist now wants to enjoy some family time.

“I’m now looking forward to the next chapter of my life and spending it with my beautiful wife Gemma, our three beautiful children Archie, Amelia and Aisla – and our amazing family and friends.”

“I hope that I’m an example of what you can achieve with hard work and proof that you can always turn your life around if you truly want to,” Murray signed off. (H/T Sky Sports).